The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
